It all began many years ago when the people on the island of Sicily in Italy suffered a dreadful famine. The villagers prayed to St. Joseph, foster-father of Jesus, and asked for his intercession with God. Their prayers were answered. With the end of the dreadful famine, a special feast of thanksgiving was held in commemoration of the saint. Wealthy families prepared huge buffets. They invited the less fortunate people of the village, especially the homeless and sick. This celebration became tradition.

This year, once again on St. Joseph Day celebrated on Sunday, March 17, officers of Branch 374 of the Italian Catholic Federation at St. Bede will lead a procession at the 11 a.m. Mass honoring St. Joseph. The Mass, celebrated by parish pastor and ICF archdiocesan director Monsignor Antonio Cacciapuoti, will be followed with an Italian luncheon and a festively decorated St. Joseph Table laden with foods, baked goodies, breads and pastries for sale in the Parish Hall. Proceeds from the sale are destined for the many charities ICF supports and to the current parish building fund. As part of the fundraising efforts, ICF is conducting a wide-ranging silent auction that is expected to be the biggest in the history of the organization. Local and area wide businesses have contributed items of value to this auction. Auction leader Phyllis Harb, a noted local realtor and parishioner, is heading this effort and notes that business reception to the request for donations to this effort has exceeded expectations.

Branch leader ICF President Al Restivo echoed Harb when he said that the hard working volunteers, led by Harb, have gone “all out” to create a St. Joseph Table event the likes of which have not previously been seen.

“We expect that the luncheon, the Table, and the auction will be sold-out this year and we are delighted as it will make possible the expansion of our charitable donations to organizations like the people of Sicily did so many years ago,” he said. 

Through families and fellowship, the Italian Catholic Federation promotes and supports the Catholic faith and its values, encourages apostolic and charitable works and celebrates Italian American heritage and all the heritages of local communities. Membership is open to all Catholics.

St. Bede Catholic Church is located at 215 Foothill Blvd. in La Cañada Flintridge. The public is invited to the Table event and auction after all Masses on Sunday, but reservations to the noon luncheon are limited. To make reservations, contact Phyllis Harb at (818) 790-7325. Reserved luncheon tickets are $15 a person on an available basis and $17 at the door, if space is available.